Talawanda students and schools highlight reading gains, awards and community outreach

Talawanda City School District on May 14 highlighted student achievement and schoolwide programs, with presentations from Bogan Elementary, Talawanda Butler Tech FFA and FCCLA.

Bogan principal Dr. Kirsten Cannon described new staff development, vertical teaming and targeted literacy interventions. Using MAP assessment data, Cannon said early-intervention "boot camp" work moved several students from off-track to on-track: in one cohort Cannon reported moving 11 of 20 kindergarteners to on-track and moving 8 of 9 students in the current first-grade cohort. Cannon credited title reading staff for the targeted work and said the school will continue the approach next year.

Cannon also described family-engagement events and a Coin Campout fundraiser in which students raised more than $3,000; she noted community partnerships and a summer of events led by teacher committees. She announced Bogan earned a Purple Star designation recognizing buildings that support military-connected families and said the school is one of 153 new Ohio schools to receive the distinction.

Student organizations showcased hands-on learning and community service. Talawanda/Butler Tech FFA students reported 54 members attended state convention, multiple state-level awards, grants including a $4,000 Ohio FFA Foundation grant for an agriculture storybook project and a $5,000 McCullah Hyde Foundation grant for safety outreach. The chapter said it reached 185 members this year with plans to exceed 250 next year after adding an eighth-grade chapter.

FCCLA advisers and student officers reported 126 affiliated members, more than 1,200 diapers collected during a diaper drive, over 900 work-based learning hours and multiple students advancing to state and national conferences.

Board members praised the student presenters and the district highlighted graduation and end-of-year logistics during the same meeting.